Support services for breast cancer
Treating breast cancer is a group effort. Edward-Elmhurst Health offers a variety of support services to help you through your breast cancer journey, from diagnosis through survivorship.
We offer the most cancer support programs and complementary therapies than any cancer center in the region. We can link you up with different breast cancer organizations. We can put you in touch with other breast cancer patients. We even offer programs for your family members.
Our support services include:
Complementary therapies
Complementary medicine is used with conventional medicine (not in place of it) as part of our holistic approach to your wellness. Our Integrative Medicine Clinic offers therapies like Reiki, mindfulness therapy, guided imagery, therapeutic massage, acupuncture and more. When used alongside your breast cancer treatments, these therapies can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. We even offer programs for caregivers and children of cancer patients.
Learn more about the Integrative Medicine Clinic.
Financial counseling
The cost of cancer can be overwhelming. Even with health insurance, many breast cancer patients find themselves needing financial assistance along the way.
If you worry that you may not be able to pay in full for your care, there are resources to help offset the financial burden of cancer. Edward-Elmhurst Health provides financial assistance and counseling to patients based on their income, assets and needs.
Learn more about financial counseling and support services.
Nutrition services
People with breast cancer are at-risk for developing nutritional deficiencies as a result of the cancer itself or from the side effects of treatments. Breast cancer changes the body’s metabolism which can cause a loss in appetite. It also changes the body’s ability to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and can lead to muscle and weight loss.
Edward-Elmhurst Health offers one-on-one nutrition consultations for people with breast cancer. To make an appointment with our wellness/oncology dietitian Doreen Berard, RN, LDN, in Naperville or Plainfield, please call 630-646-2273 (CARE). Doreen is available at the Edward Cancer Center in Naperville or in Plainfield.
We also offer support through our group class, “Healthy Weight, Healthy You: Thriving After Breast Cancer,” a 12-week dietitian-led weight loss/healthy nutrition class for breast cancer survivors. The next class will be held Tuesday evenings from Sept. 5 - Nov. 21 at the Edward Cancer Center in Naperville. Guest speakers will address exercise, mindful eating, lymphedema, meditation, yoga and behavior. Attendees must have completed chemotherapy treatment and provide a written referral from their oncologist.
For more information or to register for the "Healthy Weight, Healthy You: Thriving After Breast Cancer" class, contact Doreen Berard, RD, LDN, at 630-527-5452, by Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
Doreen has authored several blogs about nutrition and cancer. Read Doreen's blogs here.
Rehabilitation services
Rehabilitation therapies can help you regain independence, build strength and increase energy to participate in activities that are important to you as you undergo breast cancer treatment. Our services include lymphedema therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and swallowing therapy.
Learn more about our rehabilitation services.
Social workers
You can rely on social workers for help in finding other resources, such as home health, transportation, support groups and counseling. Talking to a social worker can alleviate stress for you and your family. It can ensure that you are getting the proper care for the best possible outcome.
To reach our social workers at the Edward Cancer Centers or the Elmhurst Nancy W. Knowles Cancer Center, call 630-646-2273 (CARE).
Personal health manager
Use the American Cancer Society Personal Health Manager to organize all of the information you get about your cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Contact us
No matter if you’ve been recently diagnosed, if you’re in the middle of treatment, or if your treatment is complete, Edward-Elmhurst Health is here for you every step of the way. Questions about our cancer support services? Call 630-646-2273 (CARE) for more information.
Due to the need for social distancing, many of our breast cancer classes and support groups now have a virtual, online option available and are taught by a live instructor.
Breast and Gynecological Cancer Networking and Support Group - Naperville
This support group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5-6 p.m. in the first floor lobby of Edward Cancer Center.
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Located in Hinsdale, Wellness House offers ongoing programs that help you cope with a cancer diagnosis and live life to its fullest. Whether you want to connect socially with others or gain knowledge about living with cancer, please click here to see what programs Wellness House offers for you and your family members.
Are you doing all you can nutrition-wise to maintain strength during cancer treatments to allow for optimal healing? Are you having difficulty with the side effects of treatment?
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with our wellness/oncology dietitian Doreen Berard, RD, LDN, by calling 630-646-2273 (CARE). Doreen is available at the Edward Cancer Center in Naperville or in Plainfield.
We also offer support through our group class, “Why Weight? Weight Loss/Healthy Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors,” at the Edward Cancer Center in Naperville. See Wellness classes & seminars on this page for information on the next session.
Back on Track- Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness Center - Naperville
This eight-week exercise class is designed to complement your cancer treatments by enhancing aerobic capacity, muscular strength and flexibility. Individuals progress at their own pace. Offered at Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness Center in Naperville. A physician's recommendation is required. To register, or for more information, call 630-646-5917.
The medically-based Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness Centers offer a variety of classes, personal training and spa services to help you get back on the Healthy Driven track.
Mindful Yoga - Naperville
Mindful Yoga promotes relaxation and increases flexibility. Poses are modified to adapt to all levels of experience and limitations. Mats, blocks, straps and blankets are provided. This group meets every Thursday (except holidays) from 6 - 7 p.m. in the first floor lobby; registration not required.
Dog/handler teams at Edward and Elmhurst hospitals visit patients, at their request, in just about every part of the hospital every day of the week. The visits usually last about five or 10 minutes and can help reduce stress and pain. Learn more about our animal assisted therapy program.
Reiki is a complementary, holistic healing practice intended to promote balance of energy in the body. It has been found to help patients relax, reduce stress levels, relieve pain and improve mental clarity and sleep habits. The session is safe, gentle and non-invasive. Edward patients and their caregivers can take advantage of the free Reiki sessions. Visit the Second Floor of the Naperville Cancer Center on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 9:30–11:30 a.m. Other days and times may be offered – check for notification when you arrive in the Second Floor Lobby to see if a practitioner is on duty. Prior registration is not required.
Edward and Elmhurst Cancer Centers have partnered with Imerman Angels, a not-for-profit organization that connects a person fighting cancer today with a survivor of the same type of cancer. This one-on-one relationship gives the cancer fighter the opportunity to ask personal questions and receive encouragement from someone who is uniquely familiar with his/her situation.
Imerman Angels also connects caregivers to other caregivers who can relate to and understand their situation. To get connected, visit ImermanAngels.org or call 877-274-5529. Their goal is to complete your match within seven business days. All of the services that Imerman Angels provides are free.
Take ten minutes for a soothing massage experience, and return to your day feeling more refreshed and relaxed. Edward Cancer Center patients and caregivers can take advantage of these 10-minute chair massages. Days and times will vary. Check in at the Second Floor Lobby when you arrive to see if our Licensed Massage Therapist is on duty. Prior registration is not required.